US Orders 10% Flight Cuts at Major Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Post by : Sameer Saifi

The United States is facing a major problem in its skies. On November 5, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that flights at 40 major airports will be cut by 10%. This decision comes as the government shutdown reached its 36th day, the longest in U.S. history. Officials say the cuts are necessary to keep the airspace safe because there are not enough staff to manage flights properly.

The shutdown has caused many air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers to work without pay. Around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA staff are affected. This has led to delays, longer lines at security, and concern for travelers. Since the shutdown began, tens of thousands of flights have already been delayed, affecting more than 3.2 million passengers.

Secretary Duffy said that the flight cuts are temporary. They could be reversed if Congress reopens the government. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will start with small reductions, from 4% this week, rising to 10% next week. International flights will not be affected by these cuts.

Airlines have started adjusting their schedules quickly. United Airlines said its international and major hub flights will continue as usual. Smaller domestic flights and regional routes will see most of the cuts. United also announced that passengers can get refunds if they do not want to travel during this time. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines said they are evaluating the effects and will communicate with passengers soon.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford explained that the cuts are meant to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers. Many controllers are already working long hours and overtime. He said the FAA could take more action if problems continue.

The shutdown has also created political tension. Republicans and Democrats in Congress cannot agree on a funding bill. Democrats want health insurance subsidies extended, while Republicans refuse to approve such measures. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have warned that the shutdown could cause “mass chaos” and even force closure of some airspace.

The airline industry is worried about the future. While the shutdown has not yet hurt airline profits, companies fear fewer people will book flights if the shutdown continues. On Wednesday, over 2,100 flights were delayed, and major airline stocks dropped slightly.

The shutdown affects not just the skies. Many government services are closed, food assistance programs are paused, and about 750,000 federal employees are furloughed. This situation has caused hardship for ordinary Americans, especially those who rely on federal support.

Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants, criticized the shutdown strongly. She called it a “cruel attack on all Americans” and said it is wrong to make federal workers and citizens suffer over political disagreements.

In conclusion, the U.S. government shutdown is creating serious problems in air travel and daily life. Flight reductions are a temporary solution, but without a deal in Congress, delays, long lines, and disruptions are likely to continue. Travelers, airlines, and airport staff all face uncertainty until lawmakers can reach an agreement to reopen the government.

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